“It’s a pretty tall order given the competition, but even among chefs, Johnnie Mountain could be considered seriously eccentric” Charles Campion

I'm ashamed (relieved) to say that my TV viewing has diminished greatly of late, but I'm hoping to catch Great British Menu 2011 from tomorrow.

This year the chefs are being challenged to cook for the ultimate street party, The People's Banquet - inspired by The Big Lunch, a nationwide one-day event that encourages people to cook and eat with their neighbours in the spirit of community, friendship and fun.

This week on the Great British Menu, it's the turn of the North West chefs Bruno Birkbeck, Johnnie Mountain and Lisa Allen to fight it out.

I got the chance to speak with Johnnie Mountain, chef/owner of the English Pig on Aldersgate Street, London at the New Zealand Earthquake charity event Kai We Care earlier this month (more of which soon), and having spent a short while in his company, I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing how he fares - even though he does scare me a tiny bit due to a startling resemblance to Gary Oldman.